The Minister's visit will further develop the strong bilateral defence ties between the UK and Georgia. UK-Georgia defence relations focus on helping Georgia to complete the reforms necessary to meet NATO standards and achieve her ultimate goal of NATO Membership. The UK is the lead contributor to NATO's Professional Development Programme, providing training to the Ministry of Defence and other Government Departments.

GERALD HOWARTH MP said:

"I am delighted to be visiting Tbilisi and to reaffirm my country's support for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The UK continues to provide Georgia with assistance to make the necessary reforms for NATO membership. Therefore, I am pleased to announce today that the UK will provide a new full-time Security Defence Advisor, who will work within Georgia's Ministry of Defence.
Georgia remains an important friend of the United Kingdom. We fight alongside each other in Afghanistan and I want to personally thank the people of Georgia for the sacrifices made in pursuit of global peace and stability"

Notes to editors:

On 6 June, Minister for International Security Strategy will meet the Georgian Defence Minister, First Deputy Defence Minister, Deputy Prime Minister for Euro Atlantic Integration and the First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs. He will visit the European Union Monitoring Mission to Georgia, where the UK currently provides 17 Monitors and HQ staff. Minister Howarth will also visit NATO's Professional Development Plan in Georgia.
For more information about the visit please contact Lika Shavishvili on 895 330 150, British Embassy Press Officer.

www.ukingeorgia.fco.gov.uk